CROSS-COUNTRY SKI. Russia's Alexey Petukhov storms to sprint victory in Davos. Second and third place go to Sweden. Alexey Petukhov claimed victory in today's free technique sprint in Davos. The Russian dominated the finals in a great style. Petukhov attacked in the second lap and could open up the gap. Teodor Peterson and Emil Joensson were chasing the Russian but Petukhov was too fast.

Petukhov controlled the race and clearly came in the finishing straight and crossed the finish line in the first place. Teodor Peterson has carried on the great shape from previous sprint competitions and took second place. Emil Joensson had a successful comeback after injury and claimed third place.

Alexey Petuhkov RUS:
It was a great victory here. My had good ski's and the crowd was amazing. I was glad that Petter was also in the final and that we could have a competition against each other.

Teodor Peterson SWE:
On the top of the uphill I was a bit tired and therefore I was not surprised that Alexey went away, he was today the strongest. I hope I can conserve my shape and show some more good sprints this season.

Emil Joensson SWE:
I am glad to be back in the World Cup circus. I was really unsure about my shape and I am happy that I am still among the fastest guys. It is a tough course here in Davos in the high altitude and that is never easy to ski here.

Kikkan Randall battles through to victory in free technique sprint in Davos

Kikkan Randall of USA has carried on the winning momentum from Düsseldorf and grabbed victory in free technique sprint in Davos.

Randall was unbeatable all the way through from the qualification to the finals. The current sprint World Cup leader was the quickest in the qualifying session and dominated all the heats on her way to the final.

In the final Randall was controlling the race. In the second lap she took over the initiative and put on a huge gap on the top of the hill. Randall came unchallenged to the finishing straight and celebrated second sprint victory in a row.

Natalia Matveeva of Russia finished second and Norway's Maiken Caspersen Falla edged out Sweden's Hanna Brodin and took third place.

Kikkan Randall USA:
I am really happy about my race today. I had already a good start in the prologue where I had the fastest time and then I could go hard in each of the different heats. In the quarterfinal I felt that it will be tough to go again two rounds on this course but then all went well. It was a good atmosphere here in Davos and it was fun to ski.  I competed in all World Cup races so far in this season, it is tough but for that a Cross-Country skiers is training hard in summer. But I also must admit that I am looking forward to the next weekend in Rogla and later on the Christmas break.

Natalia Matveeva RUS:
I said last week that I want to win the next race but Kikkan was again faster than me. I hope my shape stays on this level and that I can do good sprints in the further events

Maiken Caspersen Falla NOR:
It was a good race for me and I also had a bit luck as the lucky looser. It is a tough course here in Davos and I am vey satisfied that I could realize the podium. My goal for this  season is it to finish among the top three in the overall sprint World Cup ranking.

FIScrosscountry.com
Sunday 11 December 2011